Chapter 829: Chapter 25: Hakushi Family Affairs

Konoha Year 51, early September.

The situation in the Ninja Realm has basically stabilized, and the Five Great Nations are avoiding talk of war, turning instead towards an era of frequent economic exchange and peace.

The Land of Demons, having completed the accumulation of funds, technology, and talent, in Hakushi’s view, now has preliminary confidence to compete with any of the Five Great Nations.

But it’s only a preliminary stage.

Due to the issues of war, the military prowess of the Five Great Nations has somewhat declined from their peak periods, especially Konoha Village, which now has only about ten thousand recorded Konoha Ninja.

Compared to its peak, Konoha Village’s strength has decreased by nearly one-third.

Even so, with Konoha Village still maintaining ten thousand ninja, it shows how deep the foundation of the Five Great Nations truly is.

In contrast, the capture of the Hidden Star Village with only a few hundred poorly trained ninja by the Land of Demons is not even worth mentioning.

Therefore, at such times, Hakushi knows that he must remain calm and not be too hasty to reveal any flaws.

"Hakushi-kun, I’m back."

Hearing that long-missed familiar voice, Hakushi knows who’s returned.

Thinking carefully, it’s been three to four months since Ayane was assigned to the Land of Bear; during this time, she also went to the Land of Fire. Ayane, probably tired of staying outside, returned eagerly to the Land of Demons, which Hakushi expected.

But facing Ayane, who sneaked up to hug him from behind as soon as she returned, pressing those ample breasts against his back, was a bit of a headache.

Then again, he does miss Ayane’s broad and tender bosom.

"This is the office, please pay a little attention to the influence here."

Even with more free time, he can’t spend all his time in the lab. Compared to before, he now has more time to devote to research.

Generally, Hakushi likes to stay in the office, quietly sipping tea, seeking comfort amid the busy work.

After all, with the deal with Nagato regarding the Yang Clone, Yin-Yang Style is no longer a secret, and he has sufficient time to perfect the final clone according to the plan.

Hakushi has realized the profoundness of the Yin-Yang Style.

Just like Ayane’s chest, it’s incredibly profound.

"Oh my, I thought Hakushi-kun would pounce on me like a wolf."

Ayane smiled with narrowed eyes, seemingly quite happy.

"I said this is the office."

"We’ve messed around here before."

"...That was in the past."

"Does that mean Hakushi-kun no longer needs to use my body to release stress?"

Hakushi didn’t respond to this question, but he’ll let her fully understand later at home about whether he needs to release stress.

"How’s the handling of affairs at the Hidden Star Village? Any issues?"

"Yes, there shouldn’t be any issues with Raidenmaru there. But Akakage seems different from before."

Ayane had noticed the young boy determined to become the shadow behind Hakushi.

He’s a Kekkeigenkai Ninja, after all; hard not to pay attention to him.

Every Kekkeigenkai Ninja is a massive potential—and naturally attracts more focus than ordinary ninja.

"The child is serious to a fault in some respects."

"Indeed, like wanting to be the shadow behind Hakushi-kun. I remember the Shadow Dancer once felt jealous over this."

Ayane giggled.

Hakushi was speechless, as this did happen.

The Shadow Dancer didn’t like Akakage competing for the position as ’shadow’ behind Hakushi.

Believing that one shadow behind Hakushi, herself, was enough.

"The upper leadership of Hidden Star Village, led by the Third Hoshikage, has been mostly subdued. But I haven’t completely trusted them; while using them, I’ve also monitored them. They are aware of their situation, so for now, both sides are living in peace."

After teasing, Ayane released Hakushi, speaking of serious matters.

"That’s fine. As long as they open a gap, assimilating them won’t be a problem next."

"Yes, no matter how much emphasis, it’s just a small village."

Ayane’s words are not derogatory but rather the most realistic portrayal in the Ninja Realm.

The supporting country behind Hidden Star Village is a small nation; without a unique opportunity like the Land of Demons, that’s its limit.

Even with extremely rare Secret Techniques in the Ninja Realm, it cannot reverse such facts.

And speaking of Secret Techniques, the Ninja Villages of the Five Great Nations overflow with them—they even have the ability to research Kekkeigenkai, crushing the small nation Ninja Villages both in talent and technology reserves.

Although the Mysterious Peacock Method is rare, it’s not invincible.

The Five Great Nations have plenty of anti-air techniques. The Nara Clan of Konoha have their Shadow Ninjutsu; the Third Tsuchikage of Hidden Rock can make others fly through his chakra; and the other villages, Hidden Cloud, Hidden Sand, Hidden Mist, have more or fewer unique anti-air methods.

Even the past Wind Feather Woman suffered at the hands of a ninja from the Nara Clan of Konoha.

"Next, you stay well within the Land of Demons for now; there are no tasks needing you to leave."

"Yes, that’s what I want. By the way, is Aya fine back at home?"

Ayane’s gaze swept over.

Hakushi’s body stiffened for a moment, then his face returned to normal.